Op-Ed Voting for the new leader of the Labour Party is underway; it has been for some time.

But now it is the turn of the ordinary man and woman on the street who are paid up supporters of the Labour Party to make their choice.

For the first time Labour Party members and those who have signed up as supporters for a reduced fee are able to have a say in the leadership race.

The process has not been plain sailing with activists and members of other parties signing up to scupper or side-track the vote.

But the deadline for joining is gone, some malicious would-be voters weeded out and it is time to make your choice.

If you have read earlier reports here you will know that Andy Burnham has been my choice from day one and has received my first preference vote.

Voting papers dropped through my door Monday but I opted to follow the easy instructions and voted online.

It was quick, more convenient and as the Labour bumf explained costs the Labour Party less money.

If you believe that Labour is swimming in Union cash think again and stop reading Rupert Murdoch's and other right-wing publications.

Compared to the over-funded Conservatives the Labour Party is a poor relation. That is because Labour's policies and politicians by and large work for the good of all but particularly the poor and vulnerable of the U.K.

These supporters are not able to throw thousands of pounds at the party in effect purchasing government.

If you are still deciding who to vote for in the leadership race you have until noon Thursday September 10 to make up your mind and vote.

Don't dither too long though.

If you vote online it is in my opinion a much easier process though it will not be available to all.

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